Winter storm takes aim on central Illinois this weekend

The likelihood of heavy snow over central and/or southeast Illinois is increasing for late Saturday afternoon into Saturday night. It now appears likely that most of the area will see at least some snow accumulation. The potential exists for several inches of snow to occur within the heavy snow band. But it is still too ea...

Journal Star

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Posted Dec. 8, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Dec 8, 2010 at 7:15 AM

Posted Dec. 8, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Dec 8, 2010 at 7:15 AM

The likelihood of heavy snow over central and/or southeast Illinois is increasing for late Saturday afternoon into Saturday night. It now appears likely that most of the area will see at least some snow accumulation. The potential exists for several inches of snow to occur within the heavy snow band. But it is still too early to accurately predict where the heaviest snow band will set up. However, forecast confidence is increasing regarding the timing and evolution of the large winter storm that will affect a large part of the Midwest this weekend.

Current indications are that rain, or a mixture of precipitation north of I-72, will spread northeast across central Illinois during the day Saturday with temperatures above freezing. As the strengthening low pressure tracks south of Illinois by sunset Saturday, colder air will usher into the area late Saturday afternoon and evening changing the rain to snow from northwest to southeast. The snow could be heavy at times late Saturday afternoon and Saturday night, before tapering off from the west during the day Sunday. Very windy and much colder conditions will follow this winter storm system early next week. Temperatures and wind chills will likely reach the lowest readings so far this season. Any snow that may be on the ground will likely blow and drift, potentially causing travel problems Sunday and possibly into Monday.

Stay tuned to later forecasts and statements on this developing winter storm.